Classwork from Experimental Watercolor with Alex Shur

I took 3 classes this year. The first was Experimental Watercolor with Alex Shur. Alex has a very interesting approach to watercolor painting. Whereas most of the time when we’re doing watercolor we decide upon our shapes and our subject, Alex creates backgrounds on quarter-parent sheets of watercolor paper. After they dry, she looks for objects in the backgrounds. It’s a very intuitive way of working. I have to admit that it took a bit for me to be able to get into that mode of searching for shapes in clouds, but once I did, I found quite a few things in the backgrounds. I still have to finish some of them, adding in some details and some white gouache or china white watercolor, but I like where this is going. Some of the images are really small. Others are larger, like 1/8 of the parent sheet of paper. It was a good exercise to get me out of the comfort zone I’ve been in lately with determining my painting subject before starting. I think it will be an exercise I use going forward.

Classwork from The Land of Odds with Katie Kendrick

The second class I took was with Katie Kendrick. Katie is a giving and loving soul. I’ve taken classes with her in the past. I mostly took the class because it was a different subject (not a face-painting class) and I just needed a dose of Katie! We brought to class five or six paintings from an artist who inspires us and used those as jumping off points. For me, it was Chagall’s paintings. In particular, I was drawn to his paintings of couples who appear to be flying or floating. I also like that he has more than one subject in his paintings. He seems to have things that appear unrelated, but are related to each other in the painting. I often paint just one main subject and then go back and finish off the background. So, like Alex’s class, this one was a good stretch for me. It was forcing me to embrace a less-detailed method of painting.

Classwork from The Land of Odds with Katie Kendrick

My third and final class was with the fabulous Judy Wise. Judy has so much expertise to share and there is always something to be learned in her classes. Judy is dynamic and giving as an instructor and a person. Her art has always fascinated me and I have some of her prints up in my studio. She shared with us how to get a multi-layered encaustic (wax) painting while using collage and acrylic painting techniques under the beeswax layer.

Classwork from Captured in Wax with Judy Wise

One distinct thing about Judy’s encaustic work is the black halo that is around the artwork and she was willing to share that technique with us. It was a fun class. I haven’t done collage in a while, so again, this stretched me as I created the main figure for my painting. She is made up of collage elements and paint – a combination to make her all mine. I’m not sure yet if she’s done, but she’s certainly on her way!

After Art Unraveled, Joanne and I went to Sedona for four days. I’ll post about that next!

First, an update on the wrist. I’m weaning off of the wrist splint and doing some strengthening exercises. As I type this, I have no splint on. It makes typing MUCH easier! I am able to write better, draw again, and create. Cutting fabric is much easier without a splint in the middle of your hand!

Painted journal cover for Victoria

I did some sewing to keep myself sane during this whole thing. Nothing major. Just some fooling around with the machine. When we were in Boston in January, I spent some time with my friend’s daughter, Victoria. I showed Victoria, a budding young artist, my sketchbook. She was excited to learn about how I used it and so I offered to get one together for her. One of the projects I worked on was a journal cover for Victoria. I decided that since she’s still only 7, it might be nice for her to have a cover that can be used over again and the journal itself can be replaced. I found a 5″ x 7″ 140# Cold Press watercolor journal, and I made  a cover for it out of fabric that I had painted. With the wrist problems, it took a long time and I finally completed the journal cover yesterday! I’m happy with the results and will put it in the mail tomorrow. I hope Victoria likes it!

In the midst of the wrist issue, I had some other health issues. I’ve talked before about my chronic illness on this blog, but rarely about things that are not related to that. Well, these issues are not related to my chronic illness, but to just being a woman in my 40s. Women’s stuff. Basically, I am having a hysterectomy on March 18th. This is a decision I am completely comfortable with. For over a year, we have tried to manage my symptoms with medications and this is no longer working. It is time for a more permanent solution. Adding to this decision is that I am also part of a family that has a history of ovarian cancer, so while the surgeon is in there, I’m going to have her remove my ovaries. Better safe than sorry. The surgery is scheduled to be laparoscopic, assuming all looks good when the doctor gets in there. We’re hopeful that it will be an easy surgery.

Six weeks after the surgery, I expect to be “released” from my restrictions. A few days later, we are actually heading out to Europe. Dave has been asked to speak in Venice, Italy at a conference. Last year, wen we were in France for another conference, we talked about our wishes to go to Italy this year. Well, life is pretty amazing. and it’s like the Universe heard our wish and it was granted! We are going for two weeks, and, because it is so soon after my surgery, we’re planning a relaxing trip. We’re just going to focus on Norther Italy – Lake Como area, Venice, Florence, and Milan. We do expect to go back at some point in the next few years, so we’re saving Rome and Tuscany for that time. I know myself well enough to know that I would push myself in Rome. Florence will already be pushing it, since it is toward the end of our trip, but I won’t miss seeing the David statue and the Duomo.

So, since my surgery is a week away, I’ve been preparing for the trip. Dave and I spent time booking hotels, renting a car, scheduling flights, ordering my allergy translation card, updating our passports… All the things you need to do before a trip. Our itinerary is set, but leaves us some room for day trips and such. Now, I just need to learn some Italian phrases so I can get around, order food, and ask for a bathroom!

So there you have it, my update. I hope to have some drawings or other art to share with you soon.

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Chihuly Exhibit Dec 2008

Yes, it’s been quite a while. Sorry about that. If anyone is still reading, here are a few fun photos from my visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. Angie and I went to the Chihuly installation and were agape at most of the art. It was a lovely morning. Perfect Phoenix winter – in the low 60s!

Chihuly's Beautiful Glass Balls at the Botanical Garden

Chihuly Sun in Boanical Garden

The glass was so incredibly inspiring! I cannot believe how he is able to manipulate such an awesome medium. The colors and shapes have really inspired me and I can’t wait to start drawing in my journal and painting!

Chihuly Blue Glass with Cactus

Blue Glass from Chihuly exhibit December 2008

If you’re planning to be in Phoenix between now and March, do take some time to attend the Chihuly installation. It will be well worth your time!

Chihuly Exhibit with Sun Reflections

Contentment - 4' x 4' abstract acrylic on canvas

Wow. It’s been a busy week, filled with creative endeavors. There is so much to share!

This first painting I worked on for several hours yesterday. It has been a work in progress for well over a year. It started as a grid-based painting, in which I added some garnet gel and some gesso for texture.  I painted each of the grid spots individually and then it sat. It was dark and brown and not exciting to me – though friends and family loved it. It sat there, literally for months at a time. Then, a few months back, I added heavy gel medium in random swirls and painted it with more of a reddish base. It sat again for months.

Yesterday, I was inspired to tackle it. I added some yellows and oranges and it was starting to come together, but I wasn’t sure. Then, in an attempt to better reach the edge, I turned the painting 90 degrees. Well, that did it. I was able to see this figure coming out of the painting. And this is what it turned into. It’s sort of turned into a Miro-Picasso-esque painting. It makes me happy to look at it. I think we’ll hang it today somewhere in the house.

Angie and Me

This week, I also went to the Desert Botanical Garden with Angie. We had a lovely time taking photos, enjoying the garden, and watching them set up the Chihuly exhibit. It is amazing how many pieces go into one piece of art. The one behind us in the photo to the right was not nearly finished when we got there, nor was it near done when we left! We will be going back in a few weeks to see the entire exhibit completed. We’re both so excited about that!

Our shadows in the morning sun

We walked around for over an hour and found a quiet spot to sit and paint. Angie was so focused on the cactus she was painting that she didn’t even notice that I was photographing her here. I love the concentration in her face when she draws!

Angie Drawing in the Gardens

I drew the knot in one of the trees above Angie. And, while I’m not exactly thrilled with the drawing, it did give me a starting off point for the painting below. It’s not quite finished yet, but I think it ill be a fun piece for Dave’s office. Most of what I’ve painted for him are dark paintings that have anatomical drawings as the base. This will be a good counterbalance to that one. Dave likes it because “it looks like a dinosaur” from the side. That’s what I love about abstract renderings!

Knot in Tree Trunk 16" x 20"

I also spent Wednesday evening with some very creative women at the West Valley Mixed Media group. We’re a new group, and this was the second meeting. Lots of people attended, and I think we’ve got some great new things to share with each other. It’s just good to meet others who are interested in mixed-media work.

Wednesday afternoon I met my friend Sharon for coffee. I donated a bunch of supplies that I no longer need to her pre-school. It felt great to be able to donate things to a great cause… not to mention the space it created in the studio. Of course, that meant some de-cluttering and some organizing, which was another creative pursuit this week.

This week Dave and I are attending a benefit for one of the free clinic programs his office sponsors. I have donated a tote to the silent auction. I’m hopeful that it will bring in some money for the cause. In the meantime, I’ll be doing more art here in the studio!

Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France

No, not me. And not the Musee d’Orsay (pictured to the left as some eye candy!) My blog! A big thanks to Tracey, owner of eeep! productions, my web designer. Tracey and I realized that it had been two years since I changed my blog up. TWO YEARS! That’s far too long for a site to go without a bit of a touch-up. And besides, my art has changed so much in the past two years. So, we decided it was time for a change. So, here we are. New banner, new format, but the same art and purpose. I hope you’ll continue to visit and see what I have been up to!

Painted quilt - Female Desert Tortoise

Jane is a very relaxed instructor who gently guides people without being pushy. That’s a rare gift in an instructor and one I celebrate. We created the tops for two small quilts. One of an animal and another a “faux” landscape. Many people used photos of their pets as the “models” for the animal quilts. Others of us chose another animal. I used a photo I had from the wildlife rescue of a female desert tortoise. I liked the photo and really thought that I could go to town on the tortoise’s shell. I did!

Landscape quilt in process

For the landscape, I had considered using one of my pictures from France, but it was not meant to be. I forgot to print it out and decided to just roll with it! I used almost all batik fabrics for the landscape and just created layers and a mood. It will need a lot of stitching and embellishing to really “be” a landscape, but it’s on its way.

And, of course, today I am paying for yesterday’s long and busy day. I’m very tired and a bit off balance. I am quite glad that I scheduled just two full-day classes and that I have time off in-between. On Thursday evening, I also have a class, and I’m meeting some friends for happy hour beforehand. I really wanted to be there at the retreat location all the time to enjoy the retreat and spend time with friends, but I know that it would have really put a strain on my health. Next week is my treatment and I know that the medication is starting to diminish in my system.

Anyway, today I plan to stitch and embellish quite a bit. It’s relaxing and I can get

Last night, I picked up Joanne and we went to the Scottsdale Waterfront area. I drove around to show her the area and we chose Olive and Ivy as the restaurant for dinner. One of Dave’s partners loves this restaurant and now I can see why. The ambiance is quite nice and we sat for hours and had a lovely dinner. Since we’re both recently back from visits to the Mediterranean, it was a perfect dinner location for us.

Today I plan to pick up Joanne for a relaxing day here in the studio. Tonight is the Meet the Artists Kick-Off. I’m probably not going, since I have class tomorrow and I know it will be too much for me. Joanne, Angie and I are all taking our class together by complete serendipity! It will be a fabulous day, I’m sure.

From Aix in Provence, we had a two-hour drive to Nice. Dave and I were both looking forward to a shorter trip than we had the day before. I was quite tired and my balance was a bit off. Dave took to driving and I navigated. The drive from Aix was quite nice. The most exciting part was when we finally saw the Mediterranean Sea! Even from about 20 km away, we could see how lovely the blue was. Finally, we had reached the sea!

Beach in Nice, France

Our first order of business was to find our hotel and check in. It’s an adorable boutique hotel we had read about in Frommer’s, the Hotel Windsor. The hotel is a very artsy hotel (right up my alley!) and they had art installations in the lobby! Each room has its own theme and we had requested a room that does not face the street and has a balcony. We got the “Taste of the Orient” room. It was all white and wicker with a lovely teal and silver wallpaper. It included a queen sized bed, which was very comfortable, and, best of all, air conditioning! The staff was very helpful and the room was comfortable. The elevator was small, but has a surprise in it that I won’t spoil for anyone who might be interested in staying here. It’s a great place, and we highly recommend it.

On the streets of Nice, France

After we checked in, Dave went to park the car while I unpacked. He returned and we went for a walk in search of lunch. Now, the one thing we didn’t even expect to do in France was to eat Chinese food, but some of the restaurants within short distance from the hotel were already closed for lunch and only open as cafes or pizzerias, so we stopped by the Chinese restaurant and were pleasantly surprised. The food was good; the owner spoke great English (he has 3 brothers who live in the US!), and the atmosphere was quite nice. We were hungry and tired, and it was a nice respite.

After lunch, we decided to walk to the boardwalk, where the Mediterranean is within view. We went for our afternoon espresso. I was suddenly very tired and a bit out of sorts. The driving from the past two days had finally gotten to me. Dave took me back to the hotel and put me into bed for a nap. He went out exploring. I think he was gone for 3 hours, but I’m not sure. I slept most of that time. And by the time he got back, I was feeling much better and I had refreshed my make-up. We had 8 pm reservations at Le Petit Maison, a short walk from our hotel. Dave showered and dressed and we headed out for our evening.

The restaurant was pretty empty at 8 pm, but quickly started filling up. The food, the waiters, the ambiance, and the other patrons provided us with a lovely evening. We got to watch the “dance” the waiters do in a crowded restaurant. They all knew their menus well, and when we showed my allergy card, the waiter could tell me immediately whether they could alter something so it tasted good and met my needs. We watched the patrons and gave them back-stories as we sat and enjoyed a fabulous 2 1/2 hour meal of several courses.

Lighthouse at Cap Ferrat, Cap St. Jacques, France

The next morning we went to breakfast and watched as the stores around us opened up and set up the “outside market” parts of their shops. After breakfast, we did some walking in the market and bought a few things. We each got a hat and I stopped at a small souvenir stop that had books and postcards. I picked up a paperback that I can use for French text in my artwork. We went back to the hotel to get changed into our bathing suits.

Our view from the lounge chairs at The Grand Hotel, Cap St. Jacques, France

We had plans to spend lunch and the afternoon with two of Dave’s partners and their spouses – yes, in the South of France! They go each year and they stay at the lovely Cap Ferrat at the fabulous Grand Hotel, which is situated along the coastline on top of a cliff. We met for lunch and then sat along the edge of the cliff in lounge chairs.

Drawing of shoreline in Cap Ferrat

Sailboats on the Mediterranean in Cap Ferrat, France

After about a half hour, we walked down to the edge of the cliff to swim in the Mediterranean! Unlike along the rocky beaches of Nice, the hotel’s location on a cliff had been turned into an entry into the water, with a ladder that allowed us to step into the water. We swam in the Mediterranean. I don’t know if I can explain the excitement I felt along with the weightlessness. There is so much salt in the Mediterranean that you automatically float. And the water is so clear. I wish I had brought goggles to see underneath, but we didn’t stay in too long. Soon after we got in, I felt a pinch on my leg, but I figured it was nothing. About five minutes later, I saw a Portuguese Man o’ War betwen me and one of our friends. I mentioned it and the next thing I knew, we were all being hailed in. Soon after we got out of the water, I started feeling a burn in the area where I had felt the pinch. I had been stung by the Man o’ War. We went to the lifeguard and he gave me an ointment to put on it and soon it was a distant memory.

We left around 5:30 after a relaxing afternoon of drawing for me and reading for Dave. It was a lovely resort day and exactly what we needed after all the hubub of the driving. But we were hungry, so we figured we’d find a bistro close-by the hotel and grab an early dinner. We turned on the GPS to get us back out of the area and this is where we were completley on our own. The GPS could not find satellites. Next thing we knew, we were in Monaco. Yep, you read that right. We ended up in the Principality of Monaco. We had thought we’d go there at some point the next day, but here we were. We drove around, I took photos, and we, somehow, ended up near the Monte Carlo. People were very nicely dressed, there were some high end stores, and, lots of buildings. There was little to no coastline left undeveloped. So commercial. We didn’t feel a need to stop there and have dinner. We drove on following the signs and hoping we’d find our way back to Nice.

Drawing of Lighthouse at Cap St. Jacques, France

After about an hour of driving (which should have taken about 20 minutes), we ended up back in Nice. We parked the car and went to find a restaurant. There was a lovely Greek restaurant not far from our hotel and we had dinner there. I’m sorry I don’t remember the name of it. We sat outside and it was interesting to have dinner with street vendors walking by trying to sell things to us and people smoking and talking loudly as they walked through the outdoor part of the restaurant to their next destination. But the food was good and we retired to the hotel not much later.

The next morning we wanted to head to the Chagall museum. After the night before’s GPS mess, we asked the hotel to show us on the map. Let’s just say that it did not go well. Again, the GPS did not work for us. And there was little parking near the actual museum, so we went searching for parking. Well, we ended up more than a kilometer from the museum when we finally found parking. I was already tired, but determined. After a while, I had to stop. The entire walk was up hill, and it was a very hot and humid day. We had left before lunch, so we were tired and hungry. We headed back to the car and then to the hotel (again, after the GPS did lost us!).

Garden Restaurant at Hotel Windsor, Nice, France

We did, however, have a lovely lunch at an Italian restaurant and then we walked around Nice some more. We picked up some chocolates for Dave to have along with some gifts for people, as it was our final day in France. We went back to the hotel and made reservations in their restaurant for dinner and then we went up to the room and packed. I wanted to make sure we had everything and that our early morning flight the next day would not be stressful. We also wanted to take the car back so we didn’t have to worry about that the next morning. So we did that, took a taxi back to the hotel, and had dinner. The restaurant is in the gardens at the hotel. Unfortunately, it was not the best meal we had. It was, perhaps the worst meal we had in France. However, it was relaxing and the setting was lovely and relaxing.

We made it home safely, but our luggage was a day late. Really, that was the only thing that went wrong. At least we were headed home!

Wylde Women Award

The very talented and wonderfully supportive Kathy has awarded me the Wylde Women Award. Thanks Kathy!

Here are the conditions of this stunning award:

1. You can give it to one or one hundred or any number in between – it’s up to you. Make sure you link to their site in your post.

2. Link back to this blogsite (http://http://www.tammyvitale.com//) so Tammy can go visit all these wonderful women.  The Purpose of the Award: To send love and acknowledgment to women who brighten your day, teach you new things and live their lives fully with generosity and joy.

I visit so many blogs daily and many have already been acknowledged by this award, so it’s hard to choose. Here are some blogs you may not know about in which I find great information, support and inspiration:

Angie

Tracey

Penny

Karen

CreativeThreapy

Joanne

Katie

Judy

DJ

These are just a few. Please look at some of the blog links on my list. There are tons of great blogs out there!